R.E. Hodges, 65, will run for District 11 Justice of the Peace this November after the Pope County Democratic Party asked him to participate in the election when the previous candidate dropped out of the race.

Hodges, who will run against Republican candidate Robert Wiley, finished filing his paperwork for the JP bid early Monday afternoon.

Hodges said he decided to run after officials with the democratic party contacted him and asked him to consider participating in the election.

“When I was asked, I felt like it was something that I should take responsibility for and try to do the best I could,” he said.

Hodges, a Forrest City native, graduated from Benton High School and moved to Russellville in 1965 to attend Arkansas Tech University. After graduating in 1970, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves, for which he served for 23 years. Since, he has served six years on the Russellville Board of Adjustments and the Russellville Planning Commission.

“I’ve enjoyed a very good life here in the Russellville/Pope County area and I believe I should give back to a community what they’ve earned,” he said. “I serve my church, I served my country ... and I believe in doing service to your community in ways like the Quorum Court.”

Hodges emphasized he would like to place emphasis on the importance of maintaining rural roads, if elected.

“I want to bring a sense of good judgment and fiscal responsibility, and ensure compliance with all the regulations involved in the quorum court meetings and public information,” he said.

Hodges was officially nominated by the party at its convention July 9.

Previous candidate Carl D. Neaterous officially withdrew from the race June 20 after moving out of the district. Election Day is Nov. 6.

This has the distinct stench of election rigging. He moves two blocks down the street, and he is 'out' of the jurisdiction. It is my personal belief that the local democrats realized that the original candidate was not electable and advised him to move. they want their 'good ol' boy' on the quorum court. He didn't comply with state law for the original filing deadline, and was appointed by a small group of people.

It smells funny.

Hope you voters will wake up and think for once.

Wiley was the best friend the taxpayer had on the city council, and he held their feet to the fire.